Miracles

Working at a children's hospital, especially in the pediatric intensive care unit, can be a daunting and emotional task. I am constantly questioned about how I can work there, how I can possible do what I do day after day. I answer these questions honestly. Most of the time, we take care of children that will eventually get over their illness or injury and go on to live normal lives. However, there are some days that are really awful...when a child dies or when a child's life is never, ever the same due to cancer, a car accident, illness, etc. I have to cling to the fact that somehow, in some minuscule way, what we did for that family made a terrible situation just a little bit better. In a bad stretch, that is the only thing that keeps me going.

Once in a while, we are lucky enough to witness a miracle, like the one that happened this past week. Usually, medical confidentiality laws prevent me from sharing those miraculous stories; however, I have never cared for this particular child, and I do not personally know the family. All I know is what I saw on the news and what I read on his mom's very honest and candid blog. I feel compelled to share this story, as it is an excellent reminder that life can change in an instant, and to never take anything for granted.

I was sent a link to this family's blog last week, asking for prayers...a heartbreaking detailed account of a mother's worst nightmare, what can happen when a mom gets sidetracked for just a moment. I don't know if it was the realization that this could happen to ANY of us moms out there, or maybe it is the fact that this baby is the same age as my daughter, but I have been extremely touched by this little one's story. If you haven't heard about it, I suggest reading the account of what happened on that horrible day here. (I suggest reading it with a kleenex in hand.)

As news of this family's ordeal spread, there were hundreds and even thousands praying for this little boy. Most of whom (like me) had no idea who this family was. So many times we see these situations end in tragedy, but luckily this story has a very happy ending. Call it a miracle, call it great medical intervention, call it what you will, but this child is lucky to be alive. Not only alive, but smiling, playing, and walking! Please take the time to watch this sweet video that his dad put together of the ordeal they have been through. This is why I can continue to do what I do, because even if we only see these outcomes occasionally, it is what makes working in the pediatric medical field all worth it.

So today I am holding my little one a little tighter, loving her a little longer, and remembering the lesson that I have learned from this family's nightmare...to pay very close attention to that precious toddler that is in my care, and that the distractions of life can wait.